Want to get a jumpstart on elk season? Would you be willing to endure the heat to chase elk in the month of July? With Nebraska’s new elk depredation season, a number of hunters are now experiencing elk season in the month of July.
A special elk depredation season has been ordered for a portion of southwest Nebraska because of excessive crop damage caused by elk.
The order was signed by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Director, Tim McCoy, to allow a elk depredation season, July 1-31, in specific parts of Lincoln, Perkins, Keith, Deuel, and Garden counties.
Where Will the Hunt Take Place?
Market hunting in the 1800s pretty much wiped elk off the map in the state of Nebraska. However, over the years, elk have continued to move back into the state, primarily coming from growing numbers in Wyoming. Today, Nebraska is home to a population of 3,000 elk. Unfortunately, in some parts of the state, these growing elk numbers continue to clash with famers and landowners.
There’s been an ongoing effort by NE Game and Parks and landowners in the designated areas (Lincoln, Perkins, Keith, Deuel, and Garden counties) to help lower elk numbers in recent years.
The commission says local elk herds in these areas have continued to inhabit crop fields through harvest, then disperse randomly, making it difficult for hunters to take elk during the season. The objective is to alleviate damage to crops and property caused by consumption of crops, trampling and wallows.
Hunting opportunities will take place on private land only, with permits available to residents, nonresidents, and landowners owning at least 80 acres within the designated hunting areas.
How to Get a Tag
Hunters can secure an elk permit by purchase at the Game and Parks office in North Platte. Applications are also available at outdoornebraska.gov/depredation. They can be mailed to: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 301 E. State Farm Road, North Platte NE 69101-0430.
What’s the cost?
The fees for the permits, which are unlimited in quantity, are $20 for general residents, $40 for general nonresidents, $5 for resident landowners, and $10 for nonresident landowners.
The permit bag limit is one elk of either sex, and hunters may purchase more than one permit.
Hunters are reminded that harvested elk must be checked in via internet or telephone.
Also, permits issued to hunters for the depredation season will not count against their personal limits or ability to hunt during the regular big game season.
Hunters are also reminded that permission is required to hunt on private land.
For a map of the specific hunting area, and additional information about the season, visit outdoornebraska.gov/depredation.
